Home / Editor's Pick /

Snow maintenance: Snow farming in Switzerland

07:00 PM
October 15, 2023

Snow farming
Swiss using stored snow for ski course

In Switzerland, preparations for cross-country skiing are in full swing. That means re-distributing large amounts of snow from last winter.

In Davos, in the Swiss Alps the first cross-country ski trail will soon open, covering about 2.5 miles. This is only possible with snow that was produced last winter and stored over the summer.

The snow depot in the Flüela valley, near Davos.The snow depot in the Flüela valley, near Davos.

26,000 cubic yards snow depot

This week, crews have begun to clear the sawdust from large snow deposits set up last winter.

Sawdust deposits kept the snow intact, as it slows the rate of snow melt, rather than using any chemicals. Covering the snow preserves about 80% of the snow volume over the summer

The 1-foot layer of sawdust also provides excellent insulation for the snow underneath. It protects it from direct sunlight, but also evaporation from the wet sawdust produces evaporative cooling, helping to keep the snow cold.

As a result of Davos being pioneers in snow farming, the cross-country season can begun early, regardless of autumn temperatures.

In addition to the Swiss cross-country locals, twelve national teams come to train on the Davos trail, owing to its challenging climbs and descents.

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
Derecho iowa
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Stay severe weather-aware

What are derechos?
shutterstock-4th of July
Friday, July 4, 2025

249 years ago weather!

July 4, 1776 weather history
Stonehenge during the June 2020 summer solstice.
Friday, June 20, 2025

Longest day of the year

Today marks the summer solstice
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday, July 18, 2025

Daily briefing

Moisture, instability meet & impacts eastern half
Monday, July 14, 2025

Spots with +7'' of rain

Flash flood risk for parts of Florida
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daily briefing

Severe weather moves to the Midwest, NE flash flood
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement